A separate size limit for the commercial fishery will spread out some of the fishing mortality across more age classes, and the one inch increase will result in the removal of fewer numbers of striped bass. 1) Subject to regulation by the Division and the municipality. A number of the proposed changes for 2020 are new interstate management requirements in response to updated stock status, while others are optional tools to improve the fisheries’ performance. Later this winter, the public will have a chance to weigh in on the Division’s management of the Massachusetts commercial and recreational striped bass fisheries. × 5 3/4 in or two circular vents of 2 5/8 in in diameter, One rectangular vent 2 in × 5 3/4 in or two circular vents of 2 5/8 in in diameter, Egg-bearers cannot be taken; 25 crabs/day; no permit required unless using traps or SCUBA; closed season is January 01–April 30, inclusive, 50 crabs total per day (including up to 25 blue)—other regulations are the same as for blue crab, In order to harvest green crabs, you must obtain a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the Division. The following species are prohibited from harvest: These regulations apply to state-waters only. Fish should be firmly grasped with both hands for proper measuring. How much do you agree with the following statements in the scale of 1, Strongly Disagree, to 5, Strongly Agree? All applicants will be notified by mail in the weeks ahead. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. It is unlawful to take cod from the Summer Cod Conservation Closure from April 16 through July 21. Accordingly, it is also unlawful to keep a striped bass alive in water by attaching a line or chain to the fish (stringer), or placing it in a live well or holding car. Consult NOAA Fisheries for regulations. There was also ample public sentiment to move recreational harvest, which amounts to about 90% of all fishery removals, off the larger, more fecund fish with the use of a maximum size. Tunas measurement is taken in a line, tracing the contour of the body from the tip of the upper jaw to the fork of the tail, which crosses the dorsal insertion of the pectoral fin and the dorsal side of the caudal keel. No more than two fillets per allowed fish may be possessed. All recreational anglers are required to use non-lethal devices to remove striped bass from the water; gaffing striped bass is prohibited. The 18% cut to the coastal commercial quotas reduces Massachusetts baseline quota from 869,813 pounds to 713,246 pounds—at our existing 34” commercial minimum size limit. For the commercial fisheries along the coast, this means an 18% cut to the state-by-state commercial quotas. When spearfishing, you must comply with all recreational fishing regulations regarding size, seasons and bag limits on the species. These include moving the season’s opening day from June 23 to as early as June 1 and changing the open days from Monday/Thursday to Monday/Wednesday. Please consult municipal regulations. These proposals seek to better time the fishery’s operation with when striped bass are widely distributed and enhance market conditions. Striped bass and herring: For season, size, and possession limits call the Division of Marine Fisheries at (617) 626-1520, or visit mass.gov/marinefisheries. Regulatory changes pending for Fishing Year 2020 (May 1 2020 - April 30, 2021). DMF already has a circle hook rule in place (effective January 1, 2020); however, the ASMFC’s new mandate is broader than DMF’s existing requirement. Unless caught using flies or artificial lures, any shark caught on any hook other than a circle hook shall be released. Porbeagle sharks caught alive shall be released by recreational fishermen if tunas, billfish or swordfish are to be retained, possessed or landed. As a first step in tackling this problem, Addendum VI requires that all states mandate recreational anglers use circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with whole or natural baits—beginning in 2021. North Coastal Bureau (Gloucester): (978) 283-7764, Toll Free Number (Boston): (800) 632-8075. You can buy an official copy from the state bookstore. This has the potential to alleviate some significant ongoing enforcement and compliance issues, particularly in fishing hot spots like the Cape Cod Canal. Possession of : Sturgeon (all species), American Brook Lamprey, Atlantic (sea-run) Salmon, Bridle Shiner, Burbot, Eastern Silvery Minnow, Lake Chub, Longnose Sucker, and Northern Redbelly Dace is illegal! The practice of high-grading, whereby legal sized striped bass are released in favor of larger fish caught subsequently is unlawful. The discard of dead legal sized striped bass is unlawful. For fish with forked tails, the upper and lower fork may be squeezed together to measure the tail extremity. Below you can view the recreational regulations tables for: For more information, please review DMF's:2020 Recreational Fishing Poster2020 Recreational Fishing Poster for For-Hire AnglersFAQ on New Recreational Striped Bass Regulations for 2020. Silky, Sandbar, Sand tiger, Bigeye sand tiger, Whale, Basking, White, Dusky, Bignose, Galapagos, Night, Caribbean reef, Narrowtooth, Caribbean sharpnose, Smalltail, Atlantic angel, Longfin mako, Bigeye thresher, Sharpnose sevengill, Bluntnose sixgill, Bigeye sixgillCircle RequirementRecreational fishermen shall use circle hooks as the terminal tackle except when fishing with flies or artificial lures. This will include fishing with whole or cut natural baits while in possession of striped bass as well.